BIG LOCAL TRUST – COMMUNITY PROFILE
THE STORY OF SHADSWORTH WITH WHITEBIRK BIG LOCAL AREA FOR PHASE 2 NOVEMBER 2012
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Shadsworth with Whitebirk Ward Profile 2012
The Shadsworth and Whitebirk Ward is situated on the eastern edge of Blackburn and covers 214 hectares. It is a large residential area with some industrial development in the Whitebirk Industrial Estate and Shadsworth Business Park. The Ward breaks down into a few natural neighbourhoods which include Shadsworth Estate, Whitebirk Estate, Hillside, Romney Walk, Westbury Gardens, Delph Lane and Intack residential areas.
Housing The Ward has 3,093 households and a population of 7,650. The ward is made up of predominately white British people with approximately 5% to 7% coming from an Asian (Indian and Pakistani) heritage. More recently some people from Eastern European countries have been moving into the area. 41% of the housing in the Ward is rented compared with 19% in the Borough as a whole. The majority of houses in the Ward are social housing, which is managed by Twin Valley Homes (TVH).
Deprivation The Ward suffers from high levels of unemployment with 14.1% of males unemployed (which is an increase of 2.1% on last year) and 5.6% of females unemployed with a higher percentage of long term unemployed. 9.8% of the working age people are claiming unemployment benefit compared to 4.9% in the town as a whole, and 4% for the UK. This is made up of 32.9% aged 16–24, 57.2% aged 25-49, and 9.9% aged 50 +. Of the 5 lower super output areas in the Ward, 2 fall within the most 1% deprived areas nationally, and 2 are within the most 5% deprived nationally; the remainder within the most 20% deprived on the IMD 2007.
Local Governance Electoral turnout in the ward is the lowest in the borough. For the 2008 local elections turnout in the ward was 27%, compared to 41% overall. In 2012 local elections the turnout was just under 30%, indicating a sense of apathy or disconnection with local governance. The Ward is represented by 3 Labour Ward Councillors, Cllr Humphries, Cllr O’Keeffe and Cllr Shorrock, all of whom are very active within the Ward.
Name Address Telephone Email Cllr Tony 1 Durham Close, 01254 anthony.hump [email protected] Humphreys Blackburn BB1 1DQ 260256 Cllr Jim Shorrock 107 Oban Drive 01254 [email protected] Blackburn BB1 2JE 602613
Cllr Ronald 28 East Park Road 01254 ronald.o’ [email protected] O’Keeffe Blackburn , BB1 260146 8DW
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Education Includes 4 primary schools, Shadsworth Infant and Junior schools, St Antony’s Roman Catholic Primary School and Intack Community Primary and a secondary school in the ward; Our Lady and St John Roman Catholic High School. Blakewater and Crosshill existing sites closed in 2012 and were replaced by a new Building Schools for the Future (BSF) School known as Blackburn Central High School with Crosshills and this is now in the Queens Park Ward. Whilst educational attainment (5 GCSEs at A* and above) for the borough is just above average at 66.5%, only 47% of pupils from this Ward achieved this standard.
School Head Teacher Contact Shadsworth Jenny Arran Avenue Ofsted Reports Junior School Hetherington Blackburn Click here BB1 2ET Locate school on map Tel: (01254) 698016 Shadsworth Junior School
Shadsworth Mrs Barbara Rothesay Road Ofsted Reports Infants School Booth Blackburn Click here BB1 2EL
Tel: (01254) 698002
Intack Primary Ms Linda Whitebirk Road School McLanachan Intack Blackburn BB1 3HY
Tel: (01254) 52815 [email protected] St Antony's Mrs Elaine Shadsworth Road Ofsted Reports Primary Grimshaw Blackburn St Antony's Primary School School BB1 2HP Ofsted Report
Tel: (01254) 54686 [email protected]
Our Lady & St Mr K Ballard North Road Website John Catholic Blackburn Our Lady & St John Catholic Arts College BB1 1PY Arts College
Tel: (01254) 59055 Ofsted Reports [email protected] Our Lady & St John Catholic Arts College Ofsted Report
Crime and Safety The crime rate for Anti Social behaviour has increased from 200 (April 2011) to 205 (2012), although some areas of crime have dropped from 137 to 124 in the same period. Over all the reported crime rate for the Ward had decreased by 83.5% within a year.
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There is a Neighbourhood Police Team for the area which includes 2 Police Officers (one for Shadsworth and one for Whitebirk) and 4 Police Community Support Officers. The Police Team are based in Audley Neighbourhood Learning Centre in Audley Ward, (which is within walking distance of Shadsworth), but they also have access to a flat above the Spar shop in Rothesay Road, to use as a satellite base. The police team for Whitebirk is lead by Community Beat Manager PC Tom Stanford with PCSO’S Laura Barrow and Chris Nicholson. Shadsworth is lead PC Michael Kearns, PCSO Danielle Howcroft and PCSO Patrick Stewart who can be contacted on 01254 676908.
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council in partnership with the police holds regular bi-monthly meetings in the area known as Ward Solution meetings. This is an opportunity for residents to highlight problems and to work with services to address them. The Council funds a Community Officer to organise these meetings and to support community activity in the area, such as community clean ups, allotment projects, capacity building and training. The police teams all also have monthly Police and Community Together (PACT) meetings, for more information on future dates and times contact the team on 01254 676908
Community Infrastructure There are 3 churches in the Ward, Westbury Gardens United Reformed Church, a Presbyterian Church and St Teresa’s Roman Catholic Church. St Oswald’s, C of E Church is on the border of Hyndburn and is the Parish Church for Shadsworth and Knuzden, and the church hall is based in the Ward itself. There are also 2 community centres, Shadsworth Health and Well Being Centre and Accrington Road Community Centre (the Accrington Road Centre is technically on the edge of the Ward but draws its user group from the area). In 2012, the management of both of these centres was transferred by the Local authority to local management boards. Shadsworth centre is now managed by Twin Valley Homes and the Accrington Road Centre is managed by a local community association through volunteers. There is also a Children’s Centre within the Ward boundaries called Shadsworth Children’s Centre, which is based on North Road.
The Ward is represented by a number of community based organisations. In Shadsworth there is the Tenants and Residents Association, in Whitebirk there is the tenants association known as Whitebirk 2000, and in Hillside there is the Hillside Residents Association. These are active community groups who advocate, lobby and organise community activity such as summer carnivals and events. Within the community centres, there are a variety of other community and voluntary run groups and activities which are run by a small but dedicated core of about 6 – 8 individuals. The area also has a Community Allotment which officially opened its doors in March 2012. Creative Support, a mental health charity runs activities and sessions within the Shadsworth estate.
Facility Name Address and contacts Details Shadsworth Road Shadsworth Children's Centre Core opening hours: 8am to 6pm – Monday to Friday Children's Centre Shadsworth Road Blackburn Shadsworth children's centre works in partnership with BB1 2HR Accrington Road children's centre to provide a full range of services to children, parents and carers which include: Tel: (01254) 680733 childcare and education [email protected] health services family support training, advice and guidance
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Shadsworth Rothesay Road The following facilities are available at Shadsworth Health and Well Blackburn neighbourhood centre: Being Centre BB1 2JA a main hall for functions and activities, which will Tel: (01254) 671217 hold about 150 people. there is a kitchen attached to the main hall, which can be used for serving food and drinks and is available for cookery classes. two meeting rooms, which are available for small groups of up to 20 people. The Cornerstone The Cornerstone Practice Practice Shadsworth Surgery Shadsworth Road Blackburn BB1 2HR Tel: 01254 665664 Fax: 01254 844561 Shadsworth 221 Shadsworth Road Pharmacy Blackburn Tel: 01254 691771 Shadsworth Shadsworth Road Opening Hours Leisure Centre Blackburn Dry activities: Monday - Friday: 11am - 10pm BB1 2HT (Including gym sessions - free if you qualify for re:fresh) Tel : (01254) 268200 Pool open: Monday - Friday : 4pm-10pm [email protected] Click here for the pool timetable .uk Shadsworth leisure centre is a dual use centre with the following facilities: 2 squash courts 2 aerobic studios Seminar room Regency gym Sports hall Other activities available at Shadsworth include judo, karate, badminton, table tennis, squash, short tennis, football, fitness classes and sports courses.
Current and Recent Community Activities:
Healthy Living Projects:
Bill Busters: a free and confidential service to help people with fuel debt and how to save money on energy costs; we can provide general information and advice as well as home visits.
Financial Inclusion: we worked with 16 local residents to discuss the barriers local people face to improving their financial confidence and to identify what initiatives and messages can be developed and delivered to disadvantaged communities and groups who may be at risk of financial exclusion. A number of recommendations were developed and 9 residents are continuing to meet to work with partners to develop initiatives, this includes establishing and running a credit union collection point at the community centre and working with services to deliver a week long money matters campaign.
Olly, The fruit & Veg Van: Healthy Living’s mobile van providing affordable fresh fruit and vegetables in the area.
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Shadsworth Health & Wellbeing Centre: managing day to day operation of the centre and supporting local volunteers to deliver a range of activities within the centre.
Training: Trained 8 local residents on community research techniques to support the Big Local Lottery programme.
Employment: Healthy Living employs a local resident to support the running of the community centre.
Jobs & Training Fair: organising a jobs and training fair in partnership with Twin Valley Homes to be held at the centre on Wednesday 17th October 11am-3pm.
Publicity: organised a live show with Radio Lancashire to be broadcast on Tuesday 2nd October 11am -1pm, aimed to showcase the work of local volunteers and healthy living.
Community Events: support local residents in organising community events such as Shadsworth carnival and Christmas lunches for older people.
Creative Support run a number of activities from within the centre aimed to provide support to people suffering with mental health.
Greensleeves Community Planting Project
Based on Oban Drive Shadsworth, this project has been developed by a group residents from around the estate in partnership with Twin Valley Homes was officially open in March 2012. The project offer supervised activities and training for all ages, regular community clean ups, home gardening service and organises the annual Shadsworth in Bloom Competition.
Activities /groups Venue Date & times Contacts Police and Communities Shadsworth Next Meeting Neighbourhood Police Together (PACT) Meeting Well Being Tuesday 6th November 2012 Team on Takes place first week in every Centre 10.30- 11.30am 01254 507729 Month Ward Solution Meeting Different Next Meeting Tuesday 2nd Sabbir Patel (Take place Bi monthly) Community November 10.30- 11.30 am 01254 507729 Venues Slimming World St Oswald’s Alison Critchley Monday Evenings Church Hall On 07796155813 Rainbows Brownies St Oswald’s Alison Critchley Tuesday Evenings (Run by Volunteers) Church Hall On 07796155813 St Oswald’s Alison Critchley Club and Beavers Wednesday Evenings Church Hall On 07796155813 St Oswald’s Alison Critchley Zumba Thursday Mornings Church Hall On 07796155813 St Oswald’s Alison Critchley Zumba for Children Saturday Mornings Church Hall On 07796155813 St Oswald’s Alison Critchley Charity Shop Saturday Mornings Church Hall On 07796155813 St Oswald’s Alison Critchley Judo classes Thursday Evenings Church Hall On 07796155813
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Group/activity What’s it all about? Time Venue Contact Monday Toy Library Wide range of toys, games and resources for 2.30pm – 4.30pm Shadsworth (01254) 680733 children, parents and carers to borrow. Find Children’s Centre out ideas for play and resources to encourage child learning and development. Tuesday Toy Library Wide range of toys, games and resources for 9am – 11am Shadsworth (01254) 680733 children, parents and carers to borrow. Find Children’s Centre out ideas for play and resources to encourage child learning and development. Stay and Play Come along and explore play and learn 9.30am – 11.30am Accrington Rd Hajra (Drop in group) opportunities with your child. Children’s Centre (01254) 507750
Credit Union Savings accounts and low cost loans. Start 12.30pm – 2pm Accrington Rd Cameron or saving now for Christmas and next summers’ Children’s Centre Linda holiday! (01254) 776611 Work Club Drop in sessions for employment and 1pm – 3pm Shadsworth Michelle (Drop-in group) volunteer opportunities. Children’s Centre (01254) 507720 Wednesday Stay and Play Fun, practical and stimulating activities for 12:30pm – 2pm Shadsworth Shagufta (Drop-in group) children aged birth to five years to do with Children’s Centre (01254) 507750 their parents and carers. Toy Library Wide range of toys, games and resources for 12.30pm – 2.30pm Shadsworth (01254) 680733 children, parents and carers to borrow. Find Children’s Centre out ideas for play and resources to encourage child learning and development Baby Play Group Play activities for you and your baby 2pm – 3:30pm Shadsworth Hajra Children’s Centre (01254) 507750 Family Health Drop-in for mums, dads and carers with young 2.30pm – 4pm Shadsworth Health team Drop In children for information and advice on all Children’s Centre (01254) 263611 aspects of family health. Taste for life (Last Information and advice about weaning. 2.30pm – 4pm Shadsworth (01254) 680733 Wednesday in Children’s Centre month) Thursday Toy Library Wide range of toys, games and resources for 10am – 12 noon Shadsworth (01254) 680733 children, parents and carers to borrow. Find Children’s Centre out ideas for play and resources to encourage child learning and development Story & Rhyme Come and sing along to your favourite 2pm – 3pm Shadsworth Carol Time rhymes.(Library is open from 1pm – 3pm) Children’s Centre (01254) 680733 Friday Health Trainer The health trainer is available through 9am – 12noon Shadsworth (01254) 680733 (for over 18 years referrals made via reception. Children’s Centre of age) Little treasures This group is aimed at supporting families who 10.30am – 12noon Shadsworth Rosemary Brunt (by referral only) have children with complex and additional Children’s Centre (01254) 680733 Credit Union Savings accounts andneeds. low cost loans. Start 12.30pm – 2pm Shadsworth Cameron or saving now for Christmas and next summers’ Children’s Centre Linda holiday! (01254) 776611 Family voices A group for local residents, mums, dads and 11am – 12 noon Shadsworth Deborah (2nd Friday of the carers who want to help us make sure the Children’s Centre Thompson month) children’s centres provides the services and (01254) 680733 activities the community wants.
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Other services that are offered at Shadsworth Children’s Centre Community cafe Wrapped scheme B-Sure Vitamin D Adult Learning, Library A choice of Wrapped is a free Chlamydia screening FREE at any Employment and If you would like healthy meals and confidential condom programme. We children’s centre for Childcare to borrow books snacks available. distribution scheme for provide a free and pregnant women, all Information from the library Monday - Friday young people up to the confidential screening new mothers 1 year Speak to please ask at 9am – 4.30pm age of 25. Please ask at for young people post natal and Suleman, Mariam reception. reception. under 25. children up to 5 or James for 9am – 5pm 8am – 6pm 8am – 6pm years of age. further 8am – 6pm information.
Local Business There are many businesses in the area which include 1 retail park, 3 Post Offices, 3 health/dental centres, 2 petrol stations and various independent takeaways and convenience shops. Many of the spaces available for shops are boarded up. There were no locally owned social enterprises in existence prior to 2012 however there are now a number of new social enterprises starting up and being funded by Unltd.
Shadsworth with Whitebirk Ward Crime Statistics September 2011 to August 2012
Calls to the Police 5308
Calls to the Ambulance Services 1523
Calls to the Fire & Rescue Services 109
Total Recorded Crime 877
Violence Against The Person 165 Serious Violent Crime 6 Assault with Less Serious Injury 53 Other Violent Crime 71 Calls to the Police about Domestic Violence 326 Calls to the Ambulance Service where violence involved 48 All Drug Offences 41 Numbers Killed or Serious Injured on the Roads 4 Serious Acquisitive Crime 76 Robbery 5 All Burglary 82 Domestic Burglaries 34 All Vehicle Crime 71
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Theft of a Vehicle 17 Theft from a Vehicle 54 All Criminal Damage (including Arson) 234 Deliberate Fires 41 Deliberate Vehicle Fires 5 Calls to the Police about Anti-Social Behaviour 1000
Thanks to Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council for contributing the above current baseline information to this Ward profile.
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A few more key facts and figures: Population in Shadsworth and Whitebirk Blackburn with Shadsworth Variable Measure Darwen (Unitary North West England with Whitebirk Authority)
All Persons; All Ages Count 7,986 140,000 6,935,700 52,234,000
All Persons; Aged 0-15 % ~ 24.3 18.7 18.7
All Persons; Aged 16-24 % ~ 13.0 12.6 12.0
All Persons; Aged 25-49 % ~ 33.4 33.4 34.8
All Persons; Aged 50-64 (Males), 50-59 (Females) % ~ 13.9 15.4 15.0
All Persons; Aged 65 and Over (Males), 60 and over (Females) % ~ 15.5 19.9 19.5
All Persons; Aged 16-64 (Males), 16-59 (Females) % ~ 60.3 61.4 61.8
Unemployment in Shadsworth and Whitebirk Total JSA claimants (April 2012) 00EXNS: Shadsworth 00EXNS: Shadsworth Blackburn with with Whitebirk Great Britain (%) with Whitebirk (%) Darwen (%) (numbers) All people 477 9.8 4.9 4.0 Males 340 14.1 6.7 5.3 Females 137 5.6 2.9 2.6 Source: claimant count with rates and proportions
The percentage figures show the number of JSA claimants as a proportion of resident population aged 16-64
Total JSA claimants by age and duration (April 2012) 00EXNS: Shadsworth 00EXNS: Shadsworth Blackburn with with Whitebirk Great Britain (%) with Whitebirk (%) Darwen (%) (numbers) by age of claimant Aged 18-24 155 32.9 31.7 29.0 Aged 25-49 275 57.2 54.6 54.8 Aged 50 and over 45 9.9 13.6 15.9 by duration of claim Up to 6 months 255 53.7 57.2 54.2 Over 6 up to 12 months 120 24.7 22.4 22.0 Over 12 months 105 21.6 20.4 23.8
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Phase 1 Getting People Involved Overview – June 2011 – September 2012
The Big Lottery awarded Shadsworth with Whitebirk Ward £1 million to be spent over 10 years to make sustainable improvements to life within the Ward. They awarded Beach Partnership Ltd, a community not for profit business, £10,000 as the lead organisation for the Ward to carry out Phase 1 of the ‘Getting People Involved’ programme. The purpose of this work was to inform local people about the £1 million award and to gather views on what were the issues that needed addressing to make the area a better place to live and work. These are the issues raised by local residents in Phase 1 and summarised into an A-Z of 23 categories. Additionally, there is a short overview of their positive comments as many residents like living in the area and have lived there a long time.
Phase 2 – November 2011 – November 2012. Getting People Involved 2
The Big Local working group issued an expression of interest to run Phase 2 of Getting People Involved. A number of organisations were chosen to be interviewed and Community & Business Partners (CBP) was chosen to deliver the next phase.
A Steering Group was formed consisting of 3 independent people and a member of CBP to oversee the formation of a Big Local Partnership consisting of Community Board, Friends of (volunteers) and Technical Advisors (to share their knowledge and experience with the task group). The remit was to recruit and train board members and to ensure they could operate effectively and to continue engagement with local residents and stakeholders to gather information for the vision that would form the basis of the Community Plan. The Community Plan for the area will be based on the priority issues that residents and those who work in the area want to see resolved in the future. The Steering Group met monthly and discussed progress and made plans for the future. The members were Steve
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Skinner (Big Local Representative), Garth Hodgkinson (CVS) Tanya Gallagher (Neighbourhood Manager) and Jane Houghton–Fenning (CBP). At the Steering Group meeting in May, it was decided that it would be a good time to start putting together this Community Profile to capture the baseline Ward data and explain the progression of Phase 2 and as a story rather than a ‘boring’ report and this is the Community Profile story at November 2012.
The story so far.....
February 2012 – Launch Events
Phase 2 launched with 2 big events. These events where set up so that we could interact with the residents of Shadsworth with Whitebirk, local businesses, key stakeholders and volunteers (in fact anyone who lives and works within the area) to establish what ideas/solutions they had to address the issues identified in Phase 1. We also wanted to let them know what was happening by capturing data to ensure we could communicate with them in the future, to be involved as they wanted to.
Preparation for Launch Events
We secured 2 venues (Shadsworth Health and Wellbeing Centre and Westbury Gardens United Reformed Church) and knew we had to make the events as fun packed as possible, so we decided to have stalls covering a wide variety of activities so that could cater for all interests and reflect the profile of the local population. To ensure that all local residents were made aware of the events, we designed posters and leaflets and then displayed them in shops, takeaways, doctors, schools, bus shelters etc. Jane from CBP was interviewed by The Bee and the advert ran for a full day. We also had the support of local PCSO’s who helped us raise awareness and assisted us with leaflet drops all across the area. To create a buzz and to add an extra incentive to attend, we managed to secure 2 senior players and 2 junior players from Blackburn Rovers Football Club (a big thank you to Gill Kinloch for arranging this). We also had a great band of volunteers who helped us with a multitude of tasks (thanks to Amanda Grimshaw, Margaret and Derek Estill, David Riley, Gordon Melody, Alison Critchley and Brian Williamson), and Mary Anderson and her team for the excellent food.
Event Dates - 8th and 9th February 2012
The Launch Events commenced with the initial set up as our team and volunteers put in place the various stalls, banners and food. As it was essential that we gathered the ideas and questions along with contact information from all attendees, we designed special cards with logos on the reverse of the card that represented the various activities around the halls so that when residents visited a stall and provided a good idea, the stall holder signed the corresponding logo. Once they had obtained 4 signatures they were able to hand the card back to us in return for a Lucky Dip prize (for children 15 and under), or a Lottery Scratch Card for 16+, a goody bag and a ticket for the free buffet.
Free buffet provided for residents and stall holders
One of many Lucky Dip winners, also with his own arts and crafts creation
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We also captured ideas as they were walking around the stands and via an iPad and these are on You Tube. We helped residents put ideas on to large flip charts so that they were able to add illustrations to their suggestions if they wanted to.
School student sharing his ideas on how to improve the area on one of the flip charts
The stalls were themed around the key issues from Phase 1 and grouped e.g. a cleaner greener community, an educated community, a cohesive community, an employed community etc.
We had various stalls for children and adults including Dominos, Ginger Beer Making, Arts & Crafts, Social Media, Seed Planting, Local Police, Travel Assist, Green Cycle & Recycle, Healthy Living, Hillcrest Residents Association, and Youth Action. We also had a separate room for Sports & Youth Activities.
Residents get creative at the SAMS Local residents playing dominos Social Media Stand at Shadsworth Arts & Crafts stall Health and Wellbeing Centre
Debbie Ladds from Teenager playing football the Local Trust finding out how to in the Sports make Ginger Beer activities room after watching with the residents having a Blackburn go Rovers players
Launch Event - Other Special Visitors
Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Junior Hoilett, Nick Blackman and Adam Henley from Blackburn Rovers Football Club came to the events and mingled with the residents, signing autographs and answering questions. They visited the stalls, played football with the children and teenagers and we even
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managed to capture a video for You Tube of Yakubu Aiyegbeni talking about the importance of visiting communities such as ours.
Adam Henley planting some seed with a local Blackburn Rovers Player Yakubu Aiyegbeni resident joining in with some Ginger Beer making
Blackburn Rovers Players Junior Hoilett and Nick Blackman with Jane Houghton–Fenning of Community & Business Partners
We were also visited by the Salford Big Local area group Tessa Willey from the Lottery, and Debbie Ladds from the Local Trust (who manage Big Local). They all sent very complimentary emails and thanked us for the great event.
Launch Event Feedback
The feedback that we gathered from the residents and stakeholders was fantastic!
As well as all the feedback received through the forms and posters, we also captured some comments via video through our Social Media Stand run by Ali Handscomb, and we have posted them on YouTube. This link is to one of the videos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTDEgbGptQs.
Consultation Events – How Should the Community Board Work? – March 2012
To help us develop the Terms of Reference (now called How the Big Local Partnership will work in Shadsworth with Whitebirk) we held 2 resident and 1 stakeholder consultation events in March, and invited everyone who expressed an interest at our Launch Events as well as key stakeholders, businesses and those unable to attend the launch. To ensure that we could get as many people involved as possible, we put up posters around the area advertising the dates and venues. We also held the events at different locations and times to ensure that everyone could attend.
During the resident events, we received some good contributions to the Terms of Reference. It was discussed informally with residents with some parts of the discussions tweeted on social media.
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There was a cross section of people from their 20s to 90s, both genders and included BME representatives. The volunteers who assisted in running the events also contributed to the discussions. We provided light refreshments as a thank you for attending.
We had a good number of stakeholders attending their event and again progress was made towards the Terms of Reference with each part of the document being reviewed and discussed in detail. All feedback from the 3 events was recorded, discussed further with the residents, and a final document was developed.
The document is on the Community & Business Partners website and is an ‘on the shelf document’ that will be changed by the Community Board as required and ratified at the AGM. It is not an engagement document.
Preparation Nomination Drop in Days
After the consultation events it was time to put a Community Board together, so a Nomination Form asking appropriate questions was developed with the main focus around what each person could contribute to the Board. We created a spreadsheet of activities and events going on in the area so that volunteers and the CBP team could attend each one between them and talk to the residents about The Big Local Community Board, and give out the Nomination Form if they were interested in applying to be a Friend (volunteer) or a Board member. We then arranged 3 Drop in Days so that if anyone was having a problem filling out their forms, or they just required further information, they could come along and get assistance from one of the team. To promote the Drop in Days we sent out a newsletter to all the residents and advertised the events on posters in the Community Centres.
Nomination Drop in Days – May 2012
These were held at 3 different venues at different times of the day to ensure that we were accessible to all residents (Shadsworth Health and Wellbeing Centre, St. Oswald’s Church Hall and Westbury Gardens). Anyone could pop in and have assistance. Additionally to reach a larger resident audience, a member of the CBP team attended the Shadsworth Health and Wellbeing Centre polling station on the day of the local elections in May, and was able to discuss Big Local with everyone and gather more board nominations.
We received a very good number of applications and then had the difficult task of deciding who should be interviewed. Again, an independent panel of 3 was set up to do this consisting of Steve Skinner (Big Local Representative), Jean Thompson (Twin Valley Homes), Ronald O’Keeffe (Ward Councillor) and Jane Houghton-Fenning (overseeing the process).
Interviews – May 2012
After all Nominations Forms were thoroughly considered, a shortlist was prepared and people were invited to an interview. Unsuccessful applicants at shortlist stage were contacted via letter and asked to be involved as a Friend of The Big Local.
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The informal interviews for shortlisted residents took place on 23rd May at Prospect House, and 31st May at Shadsworth Health and Wellbeing Centre. It was a challenge to choose the actual Board members as there were so many strong candidates bringing with them a variety of experience and a wealth of knowledge. After the interview panel had made their decisions (and also based on the geographical requirements of the Big Local Partnership), applicants were all contacted. Again, any unsuccessful applicants were invited to become a Friend of the Community Board as they had a very valuable role to play.
The 10 successful candidates met on the 19th July for their first meeting to get to know each other. Joining the residents was local Councillor Ronald O’Keeffe representing all 3 ward councillors.
The Resident Community Board:
Abdul Qadoos, Alison Critchley, Amanda Chinery, Annette Allen, Brian Williamson, Cathy Woodhouse, Jacqueline McGrew, Malcolm Anderson, Phoenix Korn, Shaheen Ayoub.
Community Board Training
A Community Board Training Needs Analysis was undertaken of individual members and the essential community group knowledge required. A training plan was devised and delivered over 6 sessions, some during the day and some in the evening and local trainers were utilised where possible.
Board members at Waddow Hall on a Saturday in August for a team building day.
Shadsworth Tenant and Residential Association Summer Festival – June 2012
We were asked to get involved with the annual summer festival on Sunday 24th June by having a Big Local Partnership stand. We asked children to illustrate their ideas on how we could develop the area and what they might like to see by drawing a picture with a brief description. We then displayed all the drawings on the wall behind the stand for everyone to see, and the children were given a gift for sharing their ideas.
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We were also looking to engage with all adults, and the over 16’s received a Lottery Scratch Card in exchange for an idea that we highlighted on flip charts behind the Big Local stand. The stand was manned by a Friend of Big Local; volunteer Gordon Melody (thanks Gordon).
To help make the festival a success, we contacted local business mentors and companies that we work with requesting donations for the raffle and generously we received:
£20 gift voucher for M&S - Dorothy Gould - GS Social Care Solutions 2 free lessons (guitar, keyboard or drums) - John Shaw – Blackpool Music Academy 3 Thwaites polo shirts, Thwaites 200 Year “The Life and Times of Daniel Thwaites Brewery 1807- 2007”, Freddie Flintoff DVD, binoculars - Lorraine Duckworth – Thwaites Table football - Tim Ravenscroft – Mi3 Ltd 4 x adult fish & chips and children’s meals -Derek Neild – Old Bank Lane Traditional Fish & Chips
July, August and September 2012
Training for the Community Board continued and included: Getting to Know You, Induction to Big Local, Role of Community Board Officers, Money Flow (in and out of the area), Team Building and Holding Effective Board Meetings. Thanks to Unltd and Michelle Rutherford from Blackburn with Darwen who provided some of this training.
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A selection of photos from the training events
During July a selection of the Big Local residents met with Jack Straw MP to discuss Big Local and ask his advice.
Community Engagement continued at the Whitebirk Carnival – 12th August
Despite some wet weather we engaged with residents and children to find out how they wanted to develop their area. Below is a selection of the children’s ideas and illustrations. Again members of the Board manned the stall – thanks to David, Phoenix and Alison.
Westbury Gardens Fun Day 1st September further Community Engagement
Abdul, Brain and David preparing for the community engagement at Westbury Gardens Fun Day where we again raised the profile of Big Local and engaged with residents. Thanks to Westbury Gardens United Reformed Church for a great event including some good weather too.
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September 2012
The resident board decided on the content for the Quick Wins funding application and this was submitted by CBP to the Local Trust. When approved this provided money for different types of engagement and to culminate in the ideas for the Community Plan. Additionally it included funding for a Community Plan developer and writer. The Local Trust approved the plan in October.
Community & Business Partners were asked by Big Local to make presentations at the Bradford and Leeds Big Local events to share their best practice in setting up the Board and Shadsworth with Whitebirk residents and volunteers came with us to Leeds to share and learn new ideas from other Big Local areas.
A looped video was developed for the local area to explain what Big Local is about and contained a call to action for residents and workers in the area to get involved. This can be viewed at the local Children’s Centre and the Accrington Road Centre and enables a visual engagement with residents. A specific email address has also been set up so that emails can be sent directly to the Community Board. ([email protected]).
Jackie, David and Phoenix engaged further with residents at the Whitebirk 2000 Centre on the 13th September and identified more good ideas.
October 2012
Introductory training was arranged with the Big Local representative Steve Skinner around how to develop a Community Plan and was attended by all the resident members. This was followed by an engagement event on October 5th to put down first thoughts about the Community Plan journey and a newsletter was sent to residents and stakeholders about the event. Homemade cakes were available to help the brainstorming get underway. Media students from Blackburn College attended to capture the process. A short video will be produced to use in the local Community Centres for further engagement over the 10 years and can be update as needed. Extracts will also be used to create a visual baseline for this Community Profile story.
On October 17th David Riley and Cathy Woodhouse attended a local Jobs Fair in Shadsworth, here they were able to promote Big Local in Shadsworth with Whitebirk, and were also able to have a chat with residents and get their views on how to make their area an even better place to live and work.
Recruiting the Co-opted Board Members – October 2012
Co-opted voting member application forms were circulated to attract those with skills, knowledge and experience to support the voting board residents and ward councillor. After all application forms were thoroughly considered, a shortlist was prepared and then potential co-opted members were invited to an interview. The interviews took place at Whitebirk 2000. The interview panel comprised of 3 members of the Community Board - Jackie McGrew, Amanda Chinery and Brian Williamson, and Jane from CBP ensured it was a fair and consistent process. After the interview panel had made their decisions, the candidates were advised whether they have been successful. Again, any unsuccessful applicants were invited to become a Friend and or Technical Advisor of the Community Board as they had excellent skills and experiences to share.
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The Co-opted Members of the Community Board are as follows: Rob Walsh, Tanya Gallagher, Maria Nugent and David Riley.
The Full Community Board
The 4 Co-opted Members joined the Board from October and will take part in a Board Getting to Know You training event when appropriate. The current board consists of 10 residents, 4 co-opted members and a ward councillor.
November 2012
The Community Board held their first AGM in this month. Board members were elected for key board roles of Chair, Deputy Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.
Quick Wins
The Quick Wins funding was granted by the Local Trust and plans are underway to engage with the community and stakeholders to develop the vision that will become the Community Plan. A pantomime is to be arranged in December to engage with families who are the hardest to reach and the invitations will be sent out via the local primary schools.
Community Plan
A tender document relating to the development and writing of the Community Plan was emailed to all stakeholders, businesses and board members to ensure it was received by relevant organisations. The Board will interview potential groups and appoint a suitable organisation. The chosen organisation will start in December 2012.
Additional information
Lots of newsletters have been sent out to residents, stakeholders and local businesses to keep them involved with the Big Local. The communication databases are building nicely. The Local Trust Newsletter is circulated to all members, stakeholders and businesses to encourage communication about Big Local and for board members who wish to attend any courses run by the Local Trust such as social media training.
The current Community Board Partnership is made up of great volunteers and very capable voting individuals that as a group are taking their role seriously, and want to make it a success. After the training is complete they will take over the running of the Big Local (November end) and will ask for appropriate support to ensure a smooth transition as required. Community & Business Partners will support them in an administration role until March 2013.
These strong foundations will ensure they can develop and implement the Community Plan, and in partnership with the other key area stakeholders, ensure it is effective in addressing the issues to make the area a better place to live and work. Here are some suggestions from residents to improve their area which will be considered as part of the Community Plan:
Developing Community Centres in the area or creating new ones with activities for children in need or disabled.
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Plant and shrub areas being cleaned up to include recycling initiatives and restrictions on dog fouling. They have also suggested growing vegetables on spare land and planting schemes for the young to encourage appreciation of the area and a healthier lifestyle. Developing an allotment area by Knuzden Brook/Arran Trail.
Computer courses for adults and computer cafes.
More people needed to volunteer e.g. to adopt a granny to support older people.
Minimising crime and making a safer environment in the area e.g. safety training from the police, use of personal attack alarms etc.
Lack of activities, facilities and shops as many are boarded up – these could be used to up skill the unemployed and for a Job Club and enable intergeneration’s to learn skills from each other?
Parks that cater for all ages of children (currently no football space for the older ones or sandpits for the very young ones) and events in parks e.g. music or talent contests.
More activities/healthy activities for adults and elderly and interesting trips for disabled.
They require more guidance and advice on specific aspects such as unemployment, skill development and the dangers of smoking and drinking.
Getting in contact with other people from outside areas to expand ideas.
Developing faith in vulnerable young people through people who will not judge, but support and develop youth forums to 'grow' people.
40% housing owned by social landlords- door numbers to be larger for ambulances or police contact when dark.
More investment for businesses linked to employing local residents and small grant schemes to encourage business start up.
And finally....
The Partnership and its Community Board will be highly effective due to the robust selection and training regime this will underpin effective decision making and enable the follow through of initiatives. The Board are still learning about their role and have a challenge ahead, but if they work together and ask for (and buy in where appropriate) the support they need, the positive impact on the area over the next 5 and then 10 years should be noticeable and sustainable.
Throughout this process the board have been supported by Garth Hodgkinson of CVS, Tanya Gallagher Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Jane Houghton-Fenning of Community & Business Partners and Steve Skinner on behalf of the Local Trust. Lots of great volunteers have supported the process; Derek and Margaret Estill, Amanda Grimshaw, Gordon Melody, Ann Ingham, Lorraine from Twin Valley Homes to name a few, and several venues and organisations provided their space and resources at no charge e.g. St Oswald’s Church Hall, SAMS at the Energy Zone etc. CBP and the Partnership Board wish to acknowledge their thanks to all of them.
There is also a short video to accompany this document that captures the essence of the area in 2012 - please ask your Big Local Partnership Board members for a copy. Their contact details can be found in the Community Centres.
For those who prefer this story as a visual summary here is the project delivery plan and timeline.
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Project Timeline
Big Local Project Phase 2 Plan Nov Dec Jan Feb March Apr May June Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Set up communication with residents/local groups/technical support/partners Further consultations with residents - solutions focussed Read documents from Big Local and Phase 1 reports Consult with phase 1 lead body Liaise with and meet Big Local Rep Write project brief Define marketing Strategy/ liaise with Local Trust Technical support / Partner meetings Interested Groups Launch Event (Phase 1 wrap up and Phase 2 launch) Consultation and engagement regarding the Community Board Terms of reference Set up Steering/project group set up for lead org Report to steering group Define Board roles and responsibilities/ write Job D and person specs Employer Liaison Design social media and maintain communication Select the resident interview panel Engagement re application process (drop in days and event engagement) Board Interviews Recruit Resident Board TNA on each one Away day - Training (1 residents and ward councillor) Develop TNA skills plan Governance, money management, roles and responsibilities training etc Coordinate vision plan training for residents Skills training residents and councillor Recruit co-opted Board Members Training co-opted members as required Inaugural Board Meeting (CBP observation) Board Meetings Board to set up task groups Application to bid for priorities (Quick Wins) Visioning tasks groups to undertake the Quick Wins engagement Community Profile for Big Local written version Community Profile for Big Local video version Application written for Community Plan developer